Applications Architecture & Data Governance Lead

Languages: English required; another EU language is a plus

Travel: Approx. 30% international travel

Experience: 10+ years

Role Overview

Responsible for leading Application Operations, Application Architecture, and Data Governance across an international environment.

The role focuses on defining long-term application and ERP strategies, harmonizing systems across regions, and driving data governance, BI, and innovation initiatives. The successful candidate will work closely with international IT leadership and business stakeholders, particularly across ERP, CRM, and supply chain operations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in IT Applications, ERP, or Architecture leadership roles
• Strong experience with ERP systems (ideally supply chain-focused) and CRM platforms
• Experience implementing or harmonizing ERP systems in international environments
• Strong understanding of supply chain operations and enterprise application ecosystems
• Experience managing application architecture, integrations, and data governance
• Knowledge of cloud environments (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Understanding of SDLC and waterfall methodologies
• Experience working within regulated environments (GxP, GAMP5, 21 CFR Part 11, GMP) is highly desirable
• Knowledge of GDPR, NIS2, ISO27001, PCI-DSS, SOC standards
• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills

Key Responsibilities

• Lead application operations, support, maintenance, and lifecycle management
• Manage internal application teams, business analysts, and external vendors
• Define and monitor KPIs, SLAs, budgets, and resource planning
• Oversee application architecture, integrations, and data flows
• Contribute to IT strategy, roadmap planning, and project governance
• Support ERP harmonization and long-term consolidation initiatives
• Lead Data Governance and BI activities across the business
• Ensure data quality, reporting reliability, and governance standards
• Drive innovation and AI initiatives within IT operations
• Promote modern technologies and best practices

Leadership & Governance

• Lead, coach, and develop international IT teams
• Ensure compliance with IT security, GDPR, NIS2, and regulatory standards
• Promote best practices in quality, security, and ethics

Ideal Background

• Applications Director
• ERP Director
• Head of Business Applications
• Enterprise Applications Manager